Vice Gov Julius Caesar Herrera together with National Economic & Development Authority Director Atty. Fortunato “Bicbic” Abrenilla flanked by Municipal officials and barangay captains led in the commencement program.
Thirty-two barangays of this town have come up with their respective teams divided into four clusters composing of eight teams to battle it out in this summer competition.
Jagna parish priest Msgr. Orencio Jubac, E.V. in his invocation advised the players to play fairly and squarely since it is how the game is won that makes the big difference.
As one of the major sponsors of the tournament, Atty. Abrenilla also reminded the young players to set aside whatever local differences for the sheer purpose of fun and sportsmanship.
"This event is a way of turning your young energy to more beneficial endeavors like sports. This gives you a chance to compete and takes off your attention from drugs and other vices…so let’s have similar event like this next year!", Abrenilla promised to the amusement of everyone.
Vice Gov. Herrera in his message commended Jagna SK Federated President Hon. Lalaine Tan and Liga ng mga Barangay President Hon. Andrew Tadena for instigating the event.
“When I received the invitation that my team will play against the Jagna Liga team today on the occasion of your inter-barangay basketball match opening, I did not have second thoughts because Jagna is close to my heart. Besides my compañero Atty. Abrenilla is also a close friend of mine”, the Vice-Gov. said.
SK Chairman of barangay Naatang John Kevin Ocial led in the recital of the oath of sportsmanship.
As ruled by the inter-barangay basketball committee, the four clusters will undergo an elimination round to qualify for an inter-group tussle.
Cluster A is composed of barangays Alejawan, Naatang, Tubod Mar, Larapan, Pangdan, Poblacion, Tejero and Cambugason.
Barangays Faraon, Looc, Bunga Mar, Ipil, Cantagay, Can-uba, Pagina and Can-upao will compose Cluster B.
Cluster C will see barangays Canjulao, Kinagbaan, Buyog, Balili, Cantuyoc, Malbog, Bunga Ilaya and Laca in the hard court.
Barangays to compose Cluster D include Calabacita, Mayana, Boctol, Lonoy, Odiong, Cabungaan, Tubod Monte and Can-ipol.
The winners of the supposed semi-final selection will see action in the battle of champions in the final day of the scheduled 30-day match with hefty prizes at stake.
Meanwhile, the friendly hard court squabble between the guest team of the Vice-Governor’s office and the Jagna ABC dribblers, saw the visiting players Vice-Gov. Herrera, Board Member Jing Trabajo and Atty. Larry Ayuban up with a very close lead. (Gregorio A. Tavera with reports from MPIO)